Intervention
When a student is in need of assistance, there are many flags that are sometimes there and we don't see them at first. One of the most obvious flags, is when they are not participating in their discussion and/or turning in their assignments. That is the time we have to make contact with them to let them know we do care.
I agree Julie- being aware of certain traits in personality and behaviors are sure tell signs of a problem needing to be addressed.
I try to do this before they get to any of these points by letting them know I am there for them from the first class. Then I will talk to them individually each week to make sure they are staying on track. Unfortunatly sometimes this still doesn't work.
You can be aware of these tell tale signs but actually recognizing them as they happen so you can be pro-active is the real key. Patterns and audio-visual signs will alert you when a student is having difficulty. But being able to analyze them is the real art form.. MDB
I would agree with Jeff that I try to let them know from day one that they can utilize me in any means necessary whether it is a problem with school, home, work. I try to emphasize to them that I want to help them succeed and they should not be afraid to speak to me openly and honestly otherwise there will be a communication breakdown and that does not benefit anyone. Also, I let them know that if I don't have the answer then I will try to help them find someone who can.
